"Putnam County Spelling Bee" Opens Theatre Season

The Fairmont State University School of Fine Arts and the Masquers theatre group will present the first theatre performance of the academic year in September. “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” a new musical comedy, opens Friday, Sept. 21, on the Wallman Hall Stage.                                                                                     

Directed by Troy Snyder, the production will take place at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21, 22, 26, 27, 28 and 29 and at 2 p.m. Sept. 23. Tickets are $13 for general admission and free to all current FSU and Pierpont Community & Technical College students with student ID and can be ordered by calling (304) 367-4240. For more information, visit www.fairmontstate.edu/tickets.

The Tony Award-winning musical comedy tells the story of six young people in the throes of puberty, overseen by adults who barely managed to escape childhood themselves learn that winning isn’t everything and losing doesn’t necessarily make someone a loser. The New York Times calls “Spelling Bee”: “irresistible, riotously funny and remarkably ingenious – gold stars all around.”

The production showcases the talents of FSU Theatre majors Rennes Carbaugh, Sami Dull, Tyler Johnson, Tyler Kovar and Madison Whiting. Cast members also include FSU alumnus Christian Cox and community actors Shannon Yost, Greg DeVito and Dani DeVito.

“I’ve always enjoyed this play and am happy to have the opportunity to direct it. I’m also happy to be able to work again with Todd Wren as our lighting designer. A professional like Mr. Wren helps our students raise the bar of our future performances,” Snyder said.

About the photo:

Pictured from left to right are Christian Cox, Sami Dull, Rennes Carbaugh, Tyler Kovar, Shannon Yost, Tyler Johnson, Madison Whiting, Greg DeVito and Dani DeVito.

TheatreSchool of Fine ArtsTroy SnyderPutnam County Spelling Bee